Thursday, November 16 marked the first ever ShortList Nightlife Awards and it was definitely a night to remember. We even managed to make it rain.

The 400-plus guests at BASE nightclub in D3 included media movers and shakers, the city’s PR elite and, of course, the main players in Dubai’s nightlife scene. Special shout out to Uber, who brought the editor-in-chief to the party and gave discounts to everyone’s cab ride home, and the guys and girls over at Dance FM 97.8, who turbo-charged the event from the outset.

Things kicked things off with a fire show and, once the smoke had cleared, a tense half an hour of blood, sweat and tears – not least for Tom Urquart on an increasingly slippery stage – as the winners were announced.

Among those, Lock, Stock and Barrel took home the award for best Live Entertainment Venue and Best Bar, Dany Nevile nabbed the award for Best DJ while host venue, BASE, grabbed the honorary title of Best New Nightlife Venue – a choice that was vindicated throughout the night with its stunning visual displays and sound system.

Then it was time for the party to start. The doors opened to the public at 10pm, many of defying the skies to catch a glimpse of the legend that is Jennifer Lopez. The 48-year-old “Ain’t Your Mama” singer arrived shortly after 1.30am with her clique that included former baseball player Alex Rodriguez. And, although she didn’t perform live, she did address the screaming crowd and pose for pictures.

The ShortList team would like to congratulate all the winners, thank everyone for coming and offer unending gratitude to BASE, Uber, Dance FM, Red Bull, Showtec, 800tickets and A&E for making it all happen.